[Thoracoscopic resection of azygos vein aneurysm].

Abstract

Azygos vein aneurysm is a rare thoracic disease that often mimics posterior mediastinum tumors. Pathogenesis of azygos vein aneurysm is unclear. Discussions about possible causes are still ongoing. Most aneurysms are asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally during standard examinations. Severe complications of azygos vein aneurysm include rupture with massive bleeding and pulmonary embolism. Contrast-enhanced chest CT and MRI are essential. Differential diagnosis includes tumors, cysts and rare neoplasms of the mediastinum. Treatment algorithm is not established. There are traditional surgical and endovascular methods. We present minimally invasive surgical treatment of azygos vein aneurysm in a 53-year-old woman. The patient underwent thoracoscopic resection of aneurysm. Histological examination revealed a partially thrombosed azygos vein aneurysm.